What is prompting a plunge into herbs of the Bible? Anticipation. Summer breezes are shifting, and tinges of coolness have begun to bless the mornings. Soon or already, that waltzing move towards fall will prompt a surge of creativity, as if newness is in the air, too! Stirring garden bed change-ups as we yearn for refreshing.
Many of the herbal Biblical bunch will grow in the cool season, for those of us with milder winters, zones 8 to 10. If your temperatures dip intermittently below freezing, but do not remain there consistently, then you have a green light to sow seeds now for the umbel herbs from Apiaceae, the carrot-parsley family, noteworthy for their spectacular, umbrella-like blossoms. Enjoy their fresh flavors fall to early spring; then their tall flowers will mesmerize you as spring to summer temperatures coax a bolt to bloom.
Likewise, a Biblical pair from the mint family are easy to establish in autumn to grow perennially….hmm…one herb leads to another, and soon the spices join in! Let’s look over all of the Biblical herbs and spices while we’re at it (I’ve discovered 15 of them), invigorating our autumn gardens with flair and aromatic fun.
Herbs vs. Spices
Remember these generally accepted definitions: “herb” refers to a plant with edible, tasty leaves, while “spices” are plants whose savory use is in other parts—root, bark, flower, fruit, or seed. Many on this list are both, and some crossover into “vegetables.”
Below is a brief overview of the herbs of the Bible (and spices) by plant family, with links for shopping and more planting information in the Garden in Delight Plant Guide.
In the Plant Guide, Biblical plants are featured, giving you a glance at more photos, Scriptures, horticultural information, planting tips, and garden-to-table suggestions. Use the brown button named “Blog Posts on …” to link to in-depth articles written about the given plant, including garden-view devotions and design ideas. The Plant Guide is here to help you get hands-on know how for incorporating Biblical plants at home as you grow faith in your garden.
From Apiaceae (also Umbelliferae), the Parsley-Carrot Family
Dill, Anethum graveolens, a distinct flavor made famous in non-sweet pickles, tastily pairs with any fish dish or medley of its roasted root vegetable cousin, carrots. Dill leaves and seeds share the same stimulating taste. Dill draws us to one of Jesus’ most important rebukes: Keep first things first.*
Order dill seeds at Renee’s Garden Seeds (affiliate link)
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. Mathew 23:23 NIV
Coriander, Coriandrum sativum, is a more mysterious plant with dual identities; leaves are known as cilantro and seeds are called coriander, with different taste dimensions. Cilantro is pungent, championed in Mexican salsa and Asian cooking, while coriander has a more citrusy gentleness, adding intrigue to soups, sauces, and baked goods. In Scripture, God describes the bread of heaven with the color of the seeds.
Order coriander seeds at Renee’s Garden Seeds (affiliate link)
The people of Israel called the bread manna. It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. Exodus 16:31 NIV
Cumin, Cuminum cyminum, holds all its pungency and appeal in its seeds, their flavor best known in American chili, borrowed from other Mexican and Middle Eastern dishes. I have found this herb the most difficult to grow, but its message in Scripture has double urgency mentioned by Jesus alongside dill (above) and by Isaiah, emphasizing: The Lord knows.
Order cumin seeds at Johnny’s Seeds
For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod…. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Isaiah 28:27, 29 KJV
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, delights with licorice-like flavor in its foliage and seeds, the most prominent spice in Italian sausage. Certain varieties also form a bulbous root to braise or eat crunchy-fresh like celery. Fennel appears in some Biblical translations, understandably, with such similar resemblance to dill. We may not know specifically which plant was intended, but we can trust that the Lord Knows.
Order fennel seeds at Renee’s Garden Seeds (affiliate link)
For fennel bulbs, try these from Renee’s (affiliate link)
When he has leveled its surface, does he not cast abroad [the seed of] dill or fennel and scatter cummin [a seasoning], and put the wheat in rows, and barley in its intended place, and spelt [an inferior kind of wheat] as the border? [And he trains each of them correctly] for his God instructs him correctly and teaches him. Isaiah 28:25-26 AMPC
From Lamiaceae, the Mint Family
Hyssop, Origanum syriacum, grows with the gracious scent of oregano, though this species has its own flavor note. Use the soft, green leaves fresh or dried; it is best known in the Middle Eastern spice blend Zatar, yet it will add depth to any pasta sauce or batch of scrambled eggs. Hyssop beckons us with the scent of forgiveness and fills your garden with honeybees.
Order hyssop plants at Mountain Valley Growers
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 NIV
Mint, most likely peppermint, Mentha longifolia, is thought to be the mint of Scripture, though spearmints, Mentha spicata, can double as strong stand-ins. Nevertheless, mints need no introduction! Their favored flavor is at home in our lives every day, from toothpaste to mouthwatering ice cream. From the garden, leaves are best enjoyed fresh, another reminder from Jesus to stay refreshed in living the way of first things first.*
Find mints at your local nursery or grocery produce section
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.” Matthew 23:23 NIV
From Lauraceae, the Laurel Family
Bay leaves are gathered from Laurus nobilis, bay laurel or green bay tree, which grows as a potted topiary, shrub, small or large tree, depending on your hardiness zone. Leaves release a depth of Middle Eastern flavor when rubbed or simmered—too tough for eating outright. Grow this plant to keep a fresh source at hand, and for decorative greenery in garlands and wreaths. Tucked in Psalm 37 in a handful of English Bible translations, bay leaves stand for the truth that evil only appears to flourish, while those who stand for God are eternally evergreen.
Order bay laurel plants at Mountain Valley Growers
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. Psalm 37:35-37 KJV
Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, might be the most cherished spice, the happy scent of kitchens warm with baked cookies and pies. This fiery-delicious flavor comes from the bark of a zone 10 tree, so it is likely a sheer novelty in a home garden. Still, it reminds us of the all-enticing, outrageous love of God meant to permeate all we are and all we do: Let us live anointed in His Presence.
Order cinnamon plants at Companion Plants
The Lord spoke to Moses: “Take for yourself the finest spices: 12½ pounds of liquid myrrh, half as much (6¼ pounds) of fragrant cinnamon, 6¼ pounds of fragrant cane, 12½ pounds of cassia (by the sanctuary shekel), and one gallon of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a scented blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be holy anointing oil. Exodus 30:22-25 HCSB
Herbs of the Bible (and Spices) Mix of Plant Families
Caper, Capparis spinosa, from the Capparaceae or caper family, “is a hidden plant in the Word of God, appearing only once, commonly translated from the Hebrew language non-horticulturally as “desire.”” (quoted from God’s Word for Gardeners Bible, page 755). Keep capers on your garden-spice radar for the pungent punch they add to salads and sauces, for their cheery flowers if you don’t harvest buds for brining, and for an emphatic reminder to grow desire for the Lord.
Order caper plants at Mountain Valley Growers
So remember your Creator in the days of your youth: Before the days of adversity come, and the years approach when you will say, “I have no delight in them”… the grasshopper loses its spring, and the caper berry has no effect; for man is headed to his eternal home, and mourners will walk around in the street Ecclesiastes 12:1, 5 HCSB
Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis or Chamaemelum nobile, from the Asteraceae or sunflower family, most often identifies with tea, a calm-down association for sleepy time soothing. The flowers are harvested and dried to brew, yet be sure to brush the green apple-like scent of its leaves whenever you pass by—simply enthralling! Chamomile is likely a “flower of the field,” blooming temporarily in contrast to a cozy cup of God’s everlasting love.
Order chamomile seeds at Johnny’s Seeds
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases…the life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him. Psalm 103:2-3, 15-17 NIV
Mustard seeds, Brassica nigra, from the Brassicaceae (also Crucifereae) or cabbage family, leave their spicy mark on everything from ballpark hot dogs to marinades and salad dressings, although harvesting seeds from your garden plants are best used to sow again next year. Instead, enjoy mustard leaves as other leafy vegetables, fresh in salads or sauteed as warm greens. Mostly, mustard is Jesus’ poster plant to persevere in faith and be ready for God’s possibilities.
Order mustard seeds at Renee’s Garden Seeds (affiliate link)
Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 NIV
Myrtle leaves, Myrtus communis, from Myrtaceae, the myrtle family, like bay leaves, are too stiff for eating yet impart a subtly divine flavor, refreshing and sweet. Flowers yield berries that are likewise flavor-yielding, a unique addition to meat sauces. In Scripture, myrtle stands for the Lord’s triumphant strength and joy, part of celebrating the year’s most joyful feast, the Feast of Tabernacles.
Order myrtle plants at Companion Plants
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them…and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: “Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written. Nehemiah 8:12, 15 NIV
Nigella or black cumin, Nigella sativa, from Ranunculaceae, the buttercup family, is another Middle Eastern mystery spice, requiring a little digging in Bible translations. Nonetheless, let these zesty seeds bring you dreamy blue garden flowers and plucky seed pods before you “beat them out with a staff”(v.27). Nigella helps us notice that the intricacies of sowing and reaping between different species reveal the intimacy that God has with his creation—with us. He knows us and He has perfect timing.
Order nigella/black cumin seeds at Eden Brothers
Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my speech. Does the plowman keep plowing all day to sow? Does he keep turning his soil and breaking the clods? When he has leveled its surface, Does he not sow the black cummin [nigella] And scatter the cummin, Plant the wheat in rows, The barley in the appointed place, And the spelt in its place? Isaiah 28:23-25 NKJV
Rue, Ruta graveolens, from Rutaceae, the rue family, is included on this list of garden herbs for its ancient role in herbal medicine, which I know nothing about! The use of rue eludes me, yet the beauty of this plant in the garden endears me. Do not eat the leaves unless you know what you are doing, but do embrace justice and the love of God as Jesus decrees.
Order rue seeds at Johnny’s Seeds
Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone…” Luke 11:42 NIV
Saffron, Crocus sativus, from Iridaceae, the iris family, is a lavish spice, pricey because each crocus flower yields a mere 3 spice stigmas, which must be hand-harvested. Gardeners, we can do this! Slow down in the fall, as garden work tapers off, and these preciously purple bulbs reap saffron for flavored rice dish or subtly savory sauce. Let the Lord meet you there with his lavish love.
Order saffron bulbs at Renee’s Garden Seeds (affiliate link)
Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices. Song of Songs 4:13-14 NIV
Saffron Crocus in the Plant Guide
Closing Prayer: O Lord, thank You for the blessings You put in our lives, especially the way You capture my attention in plants! Every whiff of herbs and spice is meant to turn me to You. Thank You for nourishing my heart and soul through garden scents and the whimsy of Your lavish love. I am grateful to give You my attention in the garden, and together let us tuck these herbs of the bible (and spices) into all that I do—whether actually cooking and baking or metaphorically preparing meals of seasoned conversation. Let me learn to relish Your timing (Isaiah 28:23-27). Lord, above all, wake me up to Your ways of justice and mercy, and make me faithful to them. Thank you, Lord! With You there is always the hope of refreshment in Your Holy Word. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
*”First things first,” translation of Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 in The Passion Translation®, New Testament with Psalms, Proverbs, and Song of Songs, 2020 Edition, published by BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC. ©2020 Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ThePassionTranslation.com Visit www.thepassiontranslation.com/
My Father is the Gardener is my newest book, which includes a deeper dig into hyssop and myrtle, with botanical information and devotional essays on each of these herbs of the Bible.
For more tasty Biblical flavors from the Devotions Blog, try Praising the Lord in Leeks, Onions, & Garlic or Bitter Herbs Blitz, with plants that blur the lines between herbs, spices, and vegetables, bringing plenty of savor from garden to table, all plantable in the fall for zones 8-10 or in cold frames. Otherwise, order seeds for early spring.
The Bible is filled with plants and gardening from beginning to end, Eden to Revelation. If you have enjoyed this focused overview of plant lists, try this article on Top 10 Gardening Verses of the Bible and 8 Great Plant Lists
Link here to the Plant Index for God’s Word for Gardeners Bible to locate and read more about herbs of the Bible (and Spices)
Photo Credits: ©Shelley S. Cramm
AMPC notes Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible, Classic Edition, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
HCSB denotes Scripture quotations taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
KJV denotes Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, King James Version published in 1611, authorized by King James I of England, which is public domain in the United States.
NIV denotes Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
NKJV denotes Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
